Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition. Risk factors include:

• A family history of anxiety
• Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, exposure to overly strict or harsh parenting styles or parental problems such as domestic violence and mental health-related issues, or being bullied by peers
• Environmental stressors such as low socio-economic status or emotional trauma
• Substance misuse
• Chronic or painful conditions such as arthritis.

Anxiety is also a risk factor in itself, with sufferers having an increased chance of developing depression, substance misuse, suicidal ideation and attempts, and physical health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease.

While all children go through times when they feel frightened, for most it is simply part of growing up. Many young children, for example, will experience separation anxiety when starting nursery or school, but with understanding, support and care, will quickly move past it.

For others, worries may persist (being scared of the dark is quite common) but other than requiring some modification, such as in this instance installing a night light or leaving a door open, this does not interfere with development or impact on other aspects of daily life.

For some, however, an anxiety disorder that starts in childhood may well persist into adolescence and beyond.

For teenagers, concerns about appearance, fitting in with peers, forming and maintaining friendships, coping with academic or sporting pressures, and doing the right thing in terms of social media are all very common – but it is their resilience and coping strategies that are key.

Changes in behaviour or performance at school, limiting activities and exhibiting physical symptoms are all indicators that functioning is being affected. The impact of anxiety disorders on quality of life can be profound and should not be underestimated, while the risks they pose in terms of future mental and physical health should not be forgotten either.